What is pregnancy with multiples?

Years ago, most twins came as a surprise. Now, thanks to advances in prenatal care, most women learn about a multiple pregnancy early. You might suspect you are pregnant with multiples if you have more severe body changes, including:

Your doctor can confirm whether you are carrying more than one baby through ultrasound. If you are pregnant with twins or other multiples, you will need to see your doctor more often than women who are carrying only one baby because your risk of complications is greater. Women carrying more than one baby are at higher risk of:

More frequent prenatal visits help your doctor to monitor your and your babies' health. Your doctor will also tell you how much weight to gain, if you need to take extra vitamins, and how much activity is safe. With close monitoring, your babies will have the best chance of being born near term and at a healthy weight.

After delivery and once your babies come home, you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Ask for help from your partner, family, and friends. Volunteer help and support groups for parents of multiples also can ease the transition.

This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center .

A multiple pregnancy is the presence of two or more fetuses growing in the uterus. A pregnancy of twins or more is considered high-risk because complications and premature birth are more common than in pregnancies of one fetus.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. To learn more visit Healthwise.org

A multiple pregnancy simply means you are carrying more than one baby. This most often is twins although with so many couples now seeking help with fertility it can mean triplets or even quadruplets or more. Anytime there is more than one baby in the uterus the pregnancy can be more complicated and high risk as multiples often come early.

Articles

Once you become pregnant, it is important to follow your doctors recommendations for prenatal care, which can help to make sure that you and your baby stay in the best health possible. In your last trimester, it will be important to understand what happens during labor and delivery, and to know your pain control options. Learn more about pregnancy and childbirth from our experts.